Forest Park Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin declared her candidacy for mayor on Wednesday, Oct. 21, entering a race reshaped by the exit of the only other announced challenger.
Melin-Rogovin, the village's commissioner of streets and public improvements, told the Forest Park Review she plans to focus on village finances, infrastructure and community support if elected. Her name would appear on the April 6, 2027, ballot.
"I know we can improve our finances and solidify our finances for our future if we all work together," Melin-Rogovin told the Review. "A mayor is not the only person that works to improve any issue the village is facing."
The announcement comes eight days after Commissioner Maria Maxham resigned her seat and dropped out of the mayoral race. Maxham, who served as commissioner of accounts and finance, had announced her candidacy only days earlier. She cited "deeply personal family matters" in an Oct. 13 Facebook post and asked for privacy, the Forest Park Review reported.
Maxham's departure leaves a vacancy on the village council. Village Administrator Rachell Entler told the Review the council has 30 days to appoint a replacement. The accounts and finance commissioner seat will also be on the April 6 ballot, along with the mayoral seat and three other commissioner positions.
Five seats are on the ballot. Mayor Rory Hoskins has not said whether he will seek reelection.
At the Oct. 13 village council meeting, Commissioner Ryan Nero said he was "quite surprised" by Maxham's resignation. Melin-Rogovin praised Maxham's four years of service, saying she "respected her work" and "appreciated her commitment to public service."
Candidates need roughly 30 signatures to get on the ballot. Nov. 23 is the deadline to file nomination papers.
